Kid-Healthy After-School Snacks
What are some ideas for quick, nutritious after-school snacks?
Every child is going to have their personal repertoire of favorite after-school snacks, and your mission (should you choose to accept it) as a parent is to offer some healthy options that your child likes and to stay away from junk food as much as possible. Here are some kid-healthy after-school snack options that might work for your family:
- Your child can make a yogurt parfait by layering yogurt, fresh or frozen fruit and granola cereal.
- Blend a teaspoon of taco seasoning with one cup of fat-free or vegetarian refried beans (in cans) to make easy one-minute microwave nachos. Just spoon some of the bean mixture over reduced fat tortilla chips and top with shredded cheese.
- Make a smoothie by blending frozen or fresh fruit with yogurt, light frozen yogurt or ice cream and fruit juice, low-fat milk or soy milk.
- Make a quick quesadilla over the stove or in the microwave with whole-wheat flour tortillas, reduced-fat cheese and vegetables such as fresh chopped tomatoes, onions, bell peppers or zucchini.
- Make a fruit, cheese and cracker plate with whole-wheat crackers, sliced apples and pears and grapes, plus sliced or cubed cheese.
- A veggie platter is only a few minutes away using sugar snap peas, packaged baby carrots, and adding cut zucchini, celery or jicama. Pour some light ranch dip into a small cup for dipping.
- Make a quick pizza by spreading tomato sauce on a whole-wheat tortilla or whole-wheat bagel half, then top with shredded reduced-fat cheese. Add any healthy toppings and pop it in the toaster oven for a minute or two until the cheese is all bubbly and you've got a great kid-healthy snack.
- There are some healthful and tasty canned soups on the market. You can heat some up on the stove or in the microwave and add in some frozen vegetables or canned beans to boost the nutrition.
Answered by
Elaine Magee, R.D.
report abuse
Submit!
